by EdenOne 10 Replies latest watchtower bible
I’ve just published a new article on my website, this time about about the subject of baptism. It’s titled THE SIGNIFICANCE AND PURPOSE OF BAPTISM. It’s divided in 5 parts:
Introduction
The baptism of John
The baptism “in the name of Jesus Christ”
The “baptism with the Holy Spirit”
The meaning and purpose of baptism today
I hope you enjoy and give you some serious food for thought. As usual, your comments are welcome.
Eden
The first step in becominng an apostate is baptism.
Why do you say that, NN ?
Eden
I don't know if this is what Nathan had in mind, but I've often maintained that baptism officially brings you "into" the organization and often in life you have to arrive somewhere before you can leave. It's the same with the organization:to feel the full weight of its oppressiveness, you have to be "in" it, not dipping your toes on the side - but in it.Baptism represents that entry "into" it. Thus, positioned "in" it you are more likely to realize the full TATT and make a decision to leave, whether openly or gradually. So, yes, do not lament someone being baptized into the Watchtower - it will probably be the impetus for their eventual leaving.
Steve, that reminds me the mantra in the chorus line of Genesis' "Carpet Crawlers" ... You've Got To Get In To Get Out ...
In any case, one of the things I point out is that the current baptism vows imposed by the GB upon the baptism candidate may well render such baptism invalid, because
a) On the first question, a demand for a previous "dedication" [enkainia] to Jehovah; that's not part of a Christian baptism.
b) On the second question the part " Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah's Witnesses ...?" is also wrong, because baptism should identify someone as a Christian; not as a minister of a given religious creed.
c) On the second question "...in association with God's spirit-directed organization" is very problematic because introduces an allegiance to an organization, even an earthly organization, into a vow that should involve ony God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
The baptism vows as practised currently within the JWs certainly constitute an ordination as a religious minister, but not a biblical Christian baptism.
Eden
steve2 I do cling to that idea of "So, yes, do not lament someone being baptized into the Watchtower - it will probably be the impetus for their eventual leaving. "
But the eventuality stemming from leaving after the Watchtower baptism, of the shunning by family still in, is definatly something to lament.
The purpose of baptism is to give them control over you. This is why they are pushing for 9, 10, 11, 12 year olds to get baptized. Then, in a few years when the young person (esp young guys) start feeling a need for some independence, the Elders can come crashing down on them, threatening them with losing all of their friends.
Doc
@Eden
THE SIGNIFICANCE AND PURPOSE OF BAPTISM
Enjoyed your article.
The contrast between spirit "born anew" sons of God vs. "born of flesh" sons of Adam is becoming quite clear as "knowledge is multiplied." Dan 12:4, 10
We live in very interesting times!
EdenOne, Steve2 is a man of discernment - you cannot turn your back on the WT unless you first join it.
I see your point about the JW baptism, NN.
With 25 years "in", I can't say that I disagree.
Eden
